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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 18, 2018 10:26 EST1. RECENT UPDATESEditorial change.2. ADVISORIESJAPAN - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in Japan.Fukushima nuclear power plant and surrounding area - Avoid all travelAvoid all travel to the districts and towns designated by the Japanese government as Areas under Evacuation Orders.Map of the areas under evacuation orders (on page 3)Safety and security situation3. SECURITYFukushima nuclear power plant and surrounding area (see Advisory)Following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi power plant nuclear incident, the Japanese authorities have placed restrictions, including travel and overnight stay bans, on the plant's surrounding area due to the risk of exposure to radiation. Always follow the instructions of local authorities.Map of the affected areas (on page 3)Tensions on the Korean PeninsulaTensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, or as the result of military exercises and activities. North Korean test missiles recently flew over parts of northern Japan. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities, including guidance on civil protection available on the Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal's website. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.CrimeWhile crime against foreigners is generally low, you should always exercise normal security precautions. Be particularly cautious in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan.If you are victim of a crime, file a police report at the station closest to where the crime occurred. Occasionally, local police may be hesitant to prepare a report for foreigners. If this happens, contact the embassy for assistance.Spiked food and drinksDrink spiking, where drugs or very strong alcohol, causing loss of consciousness, are mixed into the drinks of unsuspecting patrons by staff or other customers, occurs at bars and nightclubs. The motive of drink spiking is typically to defraud, overcharge, rob or assault, primarily male victims. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.FraudThere have been incidents of fraud, including overcharging at bars and clubs. Disputes over overcharging have led to incidents of violence. If possible, avoid carrying credit cards when frequenting nightclubs in any entertainment district as people paying with credit cards are often targeted.Learn more about overseas fraud.Women's safetyInappropriate touching may occur in busy subways and trains during morning and evening commuting hours.Consult our safe-travel guide for women for more travel safety information.Road safetyTravel by road is generally safe, but roads may be narrow and are occasionally shared by cars, cyclists and pedestrians.Public transportationIf you travel by taxi, have your destination written in Japanese as drivers may not understand English.Travel by subway and train systems is quick and convenient. Signs are usually in Japanese but signage in English is becoming more common, especially in larger cities and at tourist destinations.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesGeneral safety informationEmergency information and advice for tourists is available from the Japan National Tourism Organization.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Japanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Japan. If you plan to travel to other countries in the region, check passport validity requirements for the countries you plan to visit. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from that country. Canadians travelling onward from Japan to other Asian destinations have been denied boarding due to insufficient validity on their passports.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to a maximum of 90 daysBusiness visa: RequiredWork visa: RequiredStudent visa: Required You cannot apply for a visa if you have already entered Japan as a tourist.Business travellers need a visa if they are to receive compensation in addition to their regular salary for work carried out while in Japan.Overstaying the 90-day, tourist visa-free limit or any other visa time limit is a criminal offence. If you overstay, you may be subject to fines, deportation and may be barred from re-entry to Japan.For further information on visas, contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or the Japanese consulate nearest you before departure.Learn about laws that apply to work in JapanOther entry requirementsAlong with your passport and any required visas to visit Japan, you must have:an onward or return ticketconfirmed accommodation arrangementsproof of sufficient funds for your stay in the countryJapanese officials will photograph and fingerprint all visitors upon arrival. Some exceptions may apply, including for children under the age of 16, individuals with special permanent residency and diplomats on assignment to Japan (and holding a Japanese diplomatic visa). For more information, consult the Immigration Bureau of Japan.Registration requirementsJapanese regulations require that visiting foreigners give detailed information when checking in at hotels or other lodging facilities. The required information includes:your nameaddressoccupationnationalitypassport numberForeigners must also allow their passports to be photocopied.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical care in Japan is good. The cost of services may be similar or slightly more expensive than in Canada. Foreign patients are often required to pay in advance or produce documentation to prove that the bill will be paid prior to discharge. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.Canadians working in Japan who are not covered for medical and health services by their Japanese employer must carry full medical coverage for their stay by subscribing to the national health insurance scheme.If you need to consult medical professionals, the following organizations can refer you to medical facilities with English and other foreign language-speaking staff: Japan National Tourism OrganizationTokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information CentreAMDA International Medical Information CenterLearn more about laws on prescription medication.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and detention page and our Overview of the criminal law system in Japan for more information.IdentificationYou must carry your passport or residency (zairyu) card at all times. Police officers in Japan have the authority to ask for your identification documents at any time. Failure to comply could lead to detention or arrest.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is not legally recognized in Japan. However, a person who acquires two or more citizenships at birth can keep all citizenships (including Japanese citizenship) until the age of 20. At that age, a person has 2 years to decide to renounce all other citizenships or renounce Japanese citizenship.If local authorities consider you a Japanese citizen, you may be refused access to Canadian consular officials.Learn more about travelling as a dual citizen.Illegal activitiesPenalties for criminal activities, particularly for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.In many cases, suspects are denied oral or written communication with anyone other than their lawyer or a Canadian consular representative for an extended period. If you are detained, even for a minor offence, you may be held without charge for up to 23 days. Police officers may begin their initial questioning before you see a lawyer. You could also be in detention for weeks or months during the investigation and legal proceedings.DrivingTraffic drives on the left.To drive in Japan, you need an International Driving Permit along with your Canadian licence, or a Japanese driver's licence. You must also obtain Japanese insurance.There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties are strict and can include lengthy jail sentences. Local laws extend to both the driver and the passengers (for allowing someone to drive while under the influence of alcohol); both are subject to prosecution.Prescription medicationsThe importation of certain over-the-counter and prescription medications used to relieve sinus and allergy symptoms is banned or severely restricted. Some examples include:pseudoephedrinecodeinemethamphetaminesamphetaminesYou may bring a one-month supply of prescription medication or a two-month supply of non-prescription medication into Japan, providing the medication does not contain narcotics (including codeine).Prescribed medication must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription that states the patient's full name, address, reason for use and dosage. The bearer of the medication may be requested to present a detailed listing of the contents of the medication. If you wish to bring in larger supplies of medication or bring in prescription medication that contains narcotics, you must apply in advance for import certification. Application should be made several months prior to arrival. Consult the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for more information.Working in JapanWorking without an appropriate visa is illegal; if caught, offenders may be subject to imprisonment, a fine and deportation. If you are considering employment offers in Japan, contact the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa or the Japanese consulate nearest you before your departure from Canada.Teaching EnglishYou should carefully review contracts to teach English (arranged by recruiters in Canada) before you sign. Ensure that all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the contract and that you meet all requirements before accepting an offer. There have been incidents of employers not adhering to their contractual obligations. Consult our Teaching English in Japan publication for more information.MoneyThe currency is the yen (JPY).Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at major banks and some hotels. Credit cards are accepted in most major hotels and restaurants; however, Japan remains a predominantly cash-based society. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are widely available, but many do not accept foreign debit cards. ABMs at some convenience stores and Japan post offices accept most foreign issued debit and credit cards. Some ABMs may not be available 24 hours a day or on weekends and holidays.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATESeismic activityJapan is in an active seismic zone and is prone to strong earthquakes, as well as tsunamis.Earthquakes - Gouvernment of CanadaVolcanic activityThere are a number of active volcanoes. The Japan Meteorological Agency lists active volcanoes and associated warnings. If you are travelling near a volcano, check for the latest activity and warnings and always follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.Volcanic alert levels and warnings – Japan Meteorological agencyTyphoonsTyphoons usually occur between June and October. Southern areas, including Okinawa and surrounding islands, are more vulnerable. These storms can result in flooding and landslides, significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and can hamper the provision of essential services.Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoonsSeasonal risksSnowstorms occur in western Honshu and Hokkaido from December to March. Avalanches can occur in mountainous areas, including ski resorts. These can cause power disruptions, make roads impassable and limit the ability of responders to reach these areas in case of emergency.Japan Meteorological AgencyInformation in case of natural disasters - The Japan National Tourism Organization

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